Habitat for Humanity's Upcycle Challenge: Unhinged!

Fresh off its much-hyped debut in 2012, the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge returns to the Vancouver Home + Design Show with an Unhinged mission for Vancouver’s top bloggers, artists and designers. Challenge participants will be raising funds for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver by upcycling – or repurposing – doors sourced from the Vancouver ReStore by selling their pieces in a silent auction.

You will have the opportunity to bid on your favourite piece at the Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver booth at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. But before the hot ticket bidding war begins, let’s get to know the seven handpicked participants that were tasked with creating beautiful home décor items out of old doors for under $50.

Sarah Bancroft

Sarah Bancroft, co-founder and editor-in-chief of VitaminDaily.com, Canada's premiere lifestyle magazine, is all about matters of style and shopping. She has appeared on TV programs such as “Canada’s Next Top Model,” “Fashion File” and Britain’s “Big Boutique,” emcees high profile fashion events and writes features for Canada’s National Post.

Vitamin Daily's Upcycle 

With a penchant for texture, colour and bold aesthetics, Sarah Bancroft transformed her door into a collage-homage to living well. Capturing trends from fashion, food and design, this art piece will inspire interesting dinner party conversation for years to come.

Celina Dalrymple

Celina Dalrymple opened Fabulous Furnishings in 2001 to satisfy her love of creative design and beautiful fabrics. Practically raised in her mother’s upholstery shop, she acquired an early appreciation for furniture, craftsmanship, fabric, colors, and hard work.  Shortly after moving to Vancouver, having her own studio space to do upholstery seemed like a natural step.

Inspired by her passion for upholstery and high-drama design, Celina Darlrymple crafted this eye-catching art piece from scraps of vinyl left over from past projects. Install Miss Monroe in an interior doorway for that trés modern touch.  

Celina's Upcycle

Tazin Damji

Tazim Damji, founder and blogger at BeingTazim.com and LoveSnapMake.com, is a self-proclaimed design obsessed “geek at heart”. Her writings cover adventure, lifestyle, DIY and décor. With a passion for social media that has grown past hobby-status, Tazim runs a virtual assistant business for clients around the world. 

Seeking to provide inspiration for people looking to maximize their interior design on a dime, Tazim repurposed her door into a piece ideal for the entryway. Complete with hooks, a comfy seat and mirrors to scope your kicks before leaving the house, this upcycler’s dream is the ultimate in stylish storage.

Tazim's Upcycle

Julia Dilworth 

Juila Dilworth, lifestyle reporter and DIY columnist at 24Hrs Vancouver, is not only a repurposing pro but also last year’s winner of our Ultimate Upcycling Challenge. Transforming her door into the ultimate organization unit for everything from bedroom knickknacks to bathroom accessories, Julia capped it all off with a mint-frosted ombre painting treatment to keep you sorted in style.

Julia's Upcycle

Rebekah Gusway

Rebekah Gusway, assistant manager at Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver by day and artist by night, pursues a creative path with unique bits and bobs found in the Vancouver ReStore. With a passion for repurposing and an eye for hidden treasures, Rebekah Gusway gave her old door a new lease on life as a beautiful handcrafted vanity. Perfect for everything from an eclectic boudoir to a child’s bedroom, Rebekah’s creation marries old-school glamour with homey charm.

Rebekah's upcycle

Mitra Mansour

Lindsay Duthie

Mitra Mansour and Lindsay Duthie, designers, collaborators and “hactivists” at Creative Room, are the masterminds behind YOUxBUILD, a collaborative movement towards open source design and sustainability. With the support of UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture wood-shop facilities, the dynamic duo created a set of flat-pack pieces that can be assembled into a coffee table and two types of stools.

Mitra and Lindsay's Upcycle

Marisa Pahl

4Cats Art Studio

Marisa Pahl mixed media artist and instructor at 4Cats Art Studio, took her team of students to task by rejuvenating her old door into a bright and bold masterpiece. Finding inspiration in Emily Carr’s boundless artistic energy, Marisa & Co.’s cheery creation is the perfect backdrop for a happy home.

4Cats' Upcycle

You aren't going to want to miss the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge 2: Unhinged, purchase your tickets online today for the Vancouver Home + Design Show to save $3 off regular adult admission.